Ashley Highfield Chairman of Oyster Yachts pictured at Saxon Wharf in Southampton. Shot for Oyster Yachts. Picture date: Thursday September 2, 2021. Photograph by Christopher Ison © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer.

Ashley Highfield has been appointed as the new CEO of Oyster Yachts.

Highfield, who was previously executive chairman of the British-based luxury boat builder, has been fulfilling the interim CEO role since September 2022, following a re-organisation, and was formally offered the role last month (January 2023). The firm confirmed the news in a statement this week.

Highfield will be replaced as chair of the Oyster Yachts board by owner — and former CEO — Richard Hadida.

“One could say that this is the ultimate job swap, as Richard was previously CEO,” says Highfield. “This new structure will give Richard the opportunity to concentrate on new product development and the future range of our yachts, while I will concentrate full-time on this new CEO role, building on the excellent work of the past four years, with this next phase in Oyster Yachts’ voyage.”

Hadida adds: “I have known Ashley for literally decades and have been hugely impressed by his energy, experience, and vision across a number of businesses. In more recent years, Ashley and I have been closely working together on the successful turnaround of Oyster and the growth of its topline revenues and brand.

“Over the past few months we agreed he should step in to manage the day-to-day operation of the business, during which period he has successfully steered operations and initiated a number of new management strategies to further improve our growing business. Ashley has a deep understanding of, and buy-in to, our goals as a business, and I am truly delighted that he has accepted the role of chief executive officer.”

The Oyster 495, recent winner of the prestigious European Yacht of the Year

The Oyster 495, recent winner of the European Yacht of the Year

Hadida acquired Oyster Marine in 2018, six weeks after the shipyard went into administration, and formed Oyster Yachts as a new company.

Oyster Yachts says it is now in a great position to capitalise on the investment made by Hadida, with a strong order book and full build bays through late 2024 and into 2025 indicating his investment strategy is bearing fruit.

“It has been an honour for me to serve as chair of this great British company for the past five years, and really get to know the team, Oyster’s unique strengths, and the enormous opportunities for the business,” says Highfield. “Now, as its new CEO, I look forward to working with our impressive leadership team and our 600-strong highly skilled and talented workforce based in Southampton, Norfolk, Palma, and the US.

“We have a very clear vision for Oyster, and we will continue to deliver the very best, British-built, luxury cruising yachts in the world while ensuring that we run a sustainable and profitable business.”

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